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2024 documentary by johan grimonprez that revolves around the USAs export and weaponisation of jazz music in the 1960s as a means of good pr and expanding their global influence in the wake of ongoing cold war tensions and meddling in the Congo. one of the most dynamic, captivating and well edited films i’ve ever seen. unlike any documentary i’ve ever watched both in content and presentation. stylised to the max and truly electrifying.
if you’re not aware of what’s going on in the Congo right now and are looking for a place to start i cant recommend this more, it covers the country’s fight for independence spearheaded by patrice lumumba, his inhumane treatment at the hands of western powers, and Congo’s continued exploitation for it’s vast natural resources which is something that continues to this day. if you have not been already this film will radicalise you. it’s also an essential watch for lovers of jazz, and features footage of some of the greats — louis armstrong, dizzy gillespie and nina simone just to name a few.
my favourite release of this year and the greatest film i’ve watched in a very long time.
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scala (2023) is a brilliant documentary about the scala cinema in london, and how it influenced a whole generation of creatives. absolutely brilliant film and made me reconsider how i look at movies generally.
while we watched (2022) is the story of a ravish kumar, an indian news reporter trying to fight against the misinformation put out by the indian media and the pressure put on him by the government.
squaring the circle (2022) is a really fun documentary if you’re into your classic rock. all about the group that designed half of the famous album covers from that period, and the story behind the group and the art.
and lastly i’ll say the sparks brothers (2021). just a brilliant display of how filmmaking can be used in a documentary. again, loads of fun, really beautiful shots, amazing lineup of interviewees. i hadn’t even heard of sparks before watching this but i was a big fan by the end.
May 14, 2024
this short 1989 documentary about guy debord and the situationists is not only a good watch because of the way it explains and connects debord and his movement with the political films of jean-luc godard, the new punk world of the sex pistols, and the contemporary works of barbara krueger and jenny holzer, but also because it’s vhs texture gives it a very cozy feeling. the fuzzy jazz soundtrack and basebanded narration offers up a perfect watching experience for a cold and dreary day.
Jan 18, 2025
A documentary about high school jazz bands.
Honorable mention: Jagged (2022). Alison klayman is goated in the human interest genre
Jul 29, 2024
Top Recs from @nowhere
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was so so sad last night and found myself at the movies. started sobbing the moment i sat in the chair for reasons entirely unrelated to the film (although it was very sad). kind of relished in it though bc the cinema unlike buses/trains/cafes is like the only public space where you wont be scorned for crying. its the only acceptable place outside of the comfort of your home for you to sit down and have a good wail because everyone will think ur crying about the movie and no one will judge u.
Nov 28, 2024
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a punk rock road movie by gregg araki about a couple that pick up a drifter. weirdness and chaos ensue. impeccable soundtrack and the costuming was waaaay ahead of its time. its like challengers on crack. one of my favourite flicks and was my teenage gateway into cool girl underground films. be warned though it gets pretty violent at times!
Oct 29, 2024
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been saying for ages that this needs to make a comeback so when i saw anora last nite and saw her rocking this i was like hell yeahhh. no better way to step ur accessory game up to the next level than to start accessorising ur hair too.
Nov 4, 2024